The Pug

There exists a popular opinion that this interesting breed of toy dogs the Pug had its origin through a cross of the Bulldog on some smaller breed. This supposition is incorrect. The Pug is a very old breed, and shares with the Greyhound the honors of long descent. It is probable that the Pug originated in China, a land whose dogs are characterized by short noses and curled tails. The Dutch, through their East Indian Trading Company, brought these dogs to Holland, and later they came to England, where they were known for a time as Dutch Pugs. About the middle of the last century two enthusiasts, Lady de Willoughby and Mr. Morrison, established kennels in England, and both succeeded in creating an extraordinary vogue. The stock from their respective kennels presented distinct characteristics and were known accordingly. The Willoughby Pugs were silver fawn, with very black marks and distinct tracings. The Morrisons were of a brighter golden fawn. The two strains have since been crossed so many times that these characteristics have been lost.

The Black Pug is a more recent production, and appeared about 1886, and has since divided popularity with the fawns. They are all alike in everything but color.

For many years the Pug was the most fashionable of pet dogs, but long since has resigned that position to the Spaniels and some of the newer breeds. They still, however, have many staunch admirers.

Pugs are not lacking in intelligence, as is sometimes supposed, but are, on the contrary, highly intelligent, wide awake, and alert, prompt to give warnings of the approach of strangers. They make the most interesting of companions. Their natural cleanliness, freedom from smell, and the slight care necessary to keep them in perfect condition go far to recommend them as house pets.

The chief points to look for in the selection of puppies at from two to four months old, are: Short, square faces, great wrinkle, short backs, great bone.

The following is the standard description and scale of points issued by the Pug Club:

BODY.-Short and cobby, wide in chest, and well ribbed up.

LEGS.-Very strong, straight, of moderate length, and well under.

FEET.-Neither so long as the foot of the hare nor so round as that of the cat; well split up toes, and the nails black.

MUZZLE.-Short, blunt, square, but not upfaced. HEAD.-Large, massive, round, not apple-headed, with no indentation of the skull.

EYES.-Dark in color, very large, bold, and prominent; globular in shape, soft and solicitous in expression, very lustrous, and when excited, full of fire.

EARS.-Thin, small, soft like black velvet. There are two kinds-the “rose” and the “button.” Preference is given to the latter.

MARKINGS.-Clearly defined. The muzzle or mask, ears, moles on cheeks, thumb-mark or diamond on forehead; back trace should be as black as possible.

MASK.-The mask should be black. The more intense and well defined it is the better.

WRINKLES.-Large and deep.

TRACE.-A black line extending from the occiput to the tail.

TAIL.-Curled tightly as possible over the hip. The double curl is perfection.

COAT.-Fine, smooth, soft, short, and glossy; neither hard nor woolly.

COLOR.-Silver fawn, apricot fawn, or black. Each should be decided to make the contrast complete between the color and the trace and mask.

SIZE AND CONDITION.-The Pug should be multum in parvo, but this condensation (if the word may be used) should be shown by compactness of form, wellknit proportions, and hardness of developed muscle. The weight recommended as being the best is from 12 to 16 pounds (dog or bitch).

SYMMETRY.-Symmetry and general appearance, decidedly square and cobby. A lean, leggy Pug and a dog with short legs and long body are equally objectionable.